Flotilla on trial run

Press, 9 August 1976, Page 1

Flotilla on trial run

More than 25 small craft yesterday practised manoeuvres designed to prevent a nuclear-powered vessel from entering- Lyttelton Harbour.

The flotilla — consisting of members of the Lyttelton Peace Squadron — included assorted yachts, motor-boats, kayaks, and three trailer-sailers.

Yesterday’s exercises •were "a show of strength,” according to a member of the squadron’s organising committee (Mr J. Winslade).

“We do mean business,” he said.

Mr Winslade emphasised that the protest was not politically motivated,

“although we disagree with Mr Muldoon’s treatment of the issue,” he said. In the event of a nuclear-powered ship’s arriving at Lyttelton, motorboats would be sent to meet her outside the Heads. Her master would be informed of the squadron’s intention to blockade the port if she attempted to enter. Mr Winslade was certain that such a vessel would not venture into the harbour if her master were aware of this. “If anything drastic happened, it would be a national incident,” said Mr Winslade. However, he would not comment about how far members of the Peace Squadron would go to pre-

e vent the vessel’s entry, if > her master called their I. bluff. a “It would be up to the individual skippers,” he said. o Timing was essential if e the squadron were to d succeed. e “If we are forewarned of o the vessel’s arrival, and the e weather is good, then we have a fair chance,” Mr n Winslade said. -j He felt that it could not be a complete surprise — e “it is bound to leak out somehow.” c The Lyttelton Harbour a Board would have to be r ' informed, and the crew of the tug involved would t have to be equipped with r special protective clothing e in case of emergency, Mr :- Winslade said.